Genuine Christian Transformation
Genuine transformation of the whole person into the goodness and power seen in Jesus remains the necessary goal of human life. But it lies beyond the reach of programmes of inner transformation that draw merely on the human spirit.
The reality of all this is currently veiled from view by the very low level of spiritual life generally seen in Christianity. That low level explains why there are at present so many psychologies and spiritualities contesting the field, often led by ex-Christians who have abandoned recognised forms of Christianity as hopeless or even harmful.
In its current public form, Christianity has not been imparting effectual answers to the vital questions of human existence. At least not to many self-identifying Christians, and obviously not to non-Christians. We need to face the fact that the church seems not to be modelling the transformation of human existence that was at the heart of Jesus’ mission, and ask why.
Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart (IVP, 2002)
Lizzy
on December 18th, 2009
I completely agree. Out of all the various churches I’ve tried, I have not found any that really reflect the heart of Jesus in the way I see Him described in Scripture. It’s very frustrating to new believers and to anyone who wants a community of support.
Joe
on December 19th, 2009
I generally agree. But sometimes, no, often, it is so hard to live like Jesus. And quite often I don´t feel much of the aforementioned power. My father is a faithful priest, but he doesn´t get his church full. People just cannot see Jesus, maybe like is said in the OT: God “clouded” the pharao´s spirit. They cannot see the cross and it seems impossible to make them see it. After all, it´s also a matter of God´s choice, who he imparts redemption to.
Wonderful website, by the way.